Shogun Mojo – ‘Shogun Mojo’

(Frontiers Music)

There is something wonderfully infectious about a band that understands the importance of groove, attitude and a healthy dose of funk when delivering its melodic hard rock. Shogun Mojo’s self-titled release is an album that wears its influences proudly, combining muscular rock foundations with soulful vocals, funky rhythms and an abundance of personality. This is an entertaining, confident and refreshingly colourful collection that brings together several different strands of rock music without ever losing sight of its identity. If you have a soft spot for the funk-infused hard rock of Dan Reed Network or the more adventurous, groove-driven side of Extreme, then there is plenty here to get excited about.

The most immediate reference point is undoubtedly Dan Reed’s work with the Network. There is a similar appreciation for rhythm, infectious musical interplay and the ability to make hard rock feel effortlessly funky. Rather than relying exclusively on heavy guitars and straightforward melodic hooks, Shogun Mojo embrace a more adventurous approach, allowing the rhythm section to establish a groove while the guitars provide the necessary muscle and bite. There is a real sense of musical freedom throughout, with arrangements that favour movement, personality and an infectious sense of fun.

That comparison is particularly appropriate because of the vocal performance. Dan Reed has always possessed one of those distinctive voices capable of combining rock power with genuine soul, and Shogun Mojo benefit enormously from having that sort of vocal character at the heart of their sound. The delivery is warm, expressive and wonderfully assured, bringing an extra dimension to the material. There is plenty of attitude when the music demands it, but equally important is the soulful quality that gives the performances their emotional depth. These are vocals with personality, and they help distinguish the album from more conventional melodic hard rock releases.

The songwriting is another considerable strength. There is a strong emphasis on accessibility, with memorable melodies and choruses that quickly establish themselves, but the band are clearly not interested in simply following a familiar hard rock template. Funky guitar passages, rhythmic changes and an occasional alternative-rock edge give the material a distinctive character. There is a looseness to the performances that works particularly well, creating an atmosphere that feels spontaneous without sacrificing the discipline required to deliver a collection of properly constructed songs.

Fans of Extreme should find much to appreciate here. There are similarities in the way the band incorporate funk into a hard rock framework, allowing the music to become playful and rhythmically adventurous while retaining plenty of guitar-driven energy. That combination of musicianship and accessibility is not always easy to achieve, but Shogun Mojo make it sound remarkably natural. Tommy Thayer’s guitar work has the necessary crunch and attitude, yet there is an understanding that a great groove can be just as powerful as a crushing riff. The result is an album that moves comfortably between funky swagger, melodic rock sensibilities and harder-edged moments.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the record is its sheer variety. There is a genuine sense that the band are having fun exploring different textures and approaches, rather than attempting to squeeze everything into one particular musical mould. The funk influences are prominent, but they never completely dominate proceedings. Instead, they provide a foundation upon which the band can build something more expansive. There is enough hard rock firepower to satisfy those who enjoy their music with a little more weight, while the melodic elements ensure that the songs remain approachable and memorable.

The decision to tackle Phil Collins' classic 'In The Air Tonight' also provides an opportunity to demonstrate the band's willingness to put their own stamp on familiar material. Rather than simply reproducing the original's atmospheric approach, Shogun Mojo introduce a funkier personality, giving the song a different rhythmic feel and allowing the band's musical identity to shine through. It is an interesting choice and one that fits comfortably within the album's broader musical direction.

Production and performance are equally important to the overall success of the record. Everything feels lively and purposeful, with the various instrumental elements given room to contribute to the overall groove. There is a particularly enjoyable interplay between the guitars and rhythm section, while the vocal performances provide the melodic focus that keeps everything connected. Nothing feels unnecessarily complicated, and that is part of the appeal. The musicianship is clearly there, but it is always placed in service of the songs rather than becoming an exercise in showing off.

What makes Shogun Mojo such an enjoyable listen is the way it manages to combine contrasting musical qualities. It is funky without becoming lightweight, melodic without becoming predictable and hard rocking without relying on brute force. There is soul running through the performances, an infectious sense of rhythm underpinning the arrangements and enough guitar-driven energy to keep the album firmly rooted in melodic hard rock territory.

Ultimately, this is a record that should appeal to anyone who appreciates the more adventurous side of the genre. Those who grew up enjoying the distinctive sounds of Dan Reed Network will immediately recognise the appeal, while fans of Extreme, particularly their funkier, more groove-oriented material, should find plenty to enjoy. Shogun Mojo have delivered an album with character, confidence and a genuine sense of musical enjoyment.

Shogun Mojo is a welcome reminder that melodic hard rock doesn't always have to follow the conventional rulebook. Sometimes all you need is a great groove, a soulful voice, some infectious melodies and a band with the confidence to let its personality shine.

‘Funk Party’ is a terrific way to kick things off, immediately establishing the funky, groove-driven direction of the album. There is plenty of swagger here, with infectious rhythms, punchy guitars and a wonderfully soulful vocal performance. The title says it all: this is music designed to get things moving, and the band's enthusiasm is impossible to resist.

‘Under The Gun’, the hard rock element comes further into focus, with a heavier approach and plenty of muscular guitar work. The groove remains firmly in place, though, ensuring the track never becomes predictable. Reed delivers another excellent vocal, balancing power and soul with that unmistakable character.

‘Gonna Raise Hell’, a confident, attitude-filled rocker that brings plenty of energy to the proceedings. There is a wonderful looseness to the performance, with the funky influences adding plenty of personality. The chorus has real appeal, while the rhythm section provides a solid foundation for the guitars to do their thing.

‘Nothing To See Here’, a slightly more measured offering, but certainly no shortage of melodic appeal. The arrangement allows the band's musical personality to breathe, with some excellent instrumental interplay and another wonderfully expressive vocal. It is this combination of groove and melody that makes the album so enjoyable.

‘Turn It Up’, the instruction is simple, and the band certainly deliver! This is an energetic slice of melodic hard rock with plenty of punch, attitude and infectious hooks. The guitars have a satisfying bite, while the rhythm gives everything a wonderfully funky edge. Definitely one for the volume control.

‘Dog Eat Dog’, a harder-edged number that brings plenty of attitude and bite. There is a strong rhythmic drive throughout, with the band sounding particularly comfortable moving between muscular hard rock and their funkier influences. Reed's soulful delivery remains a major attraction.

‘Fire With Fire’, another strong melodic rocker, combining infectious hooks with a wonderfully assured performance. The guitars provide plenty of muscle, while the groove keeps everything moving. There is a real sense of confidence here, and the chorus certainly leaves its mark.

‘Fight For The Light’ delivers another healthy dose of melody, soulful vocals and hard rock energy. There is a positive feel to the performance.

‘Star Rider’, brings another dimension to the collection while retaining the band's distinctive melodic hard rock identity. There is plenty of room for the soulful vocal delivery and instrumental interplay that make Shogun Mojo such an interesting proposition.

Shogun Mojo have delivered a wonderfully entertaining slice of funky, soulful melodic hard rock that stands out thanks to its personality, infectious grooves and outstanding vocal performances. There is a definite Dan Reed Network flavour running throughout, while fans of Extreme will also find plenty to enjoy. What really makes this album work is its effortless blend of funk, melody and hard rock attitude, with Dan Reed's soulful vocals providing the perfect focal point. It is an album that doesn't take itself too seriously but certainly takes its music seriously enough to deliver some memorable moments. Refreshingly different, wonderfully infectious and packed with character, Shogun Mojo is a thoroughly enjoyable release. Turn it up, embrace the groove and enjoy the ride!

8/10

Essential Track – ‘Gonna Raise Hell’

Review by Woody